Farmington, NM: 3 Health Violations — 82/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Farmington tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for NM — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Farmington Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Farmington Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 15 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.004 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 53% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.45 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Farmington
Residential addresses in Farmington, NM are served by 3 primary water providers out of 9 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Farmington, New Mexico (population ~56,846), covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 85,508 people region-wide.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Farmington: B (82/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Farmington water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0040 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 3 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 4 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87401 | B | 5 | 1 | Farmington Water System |
| 87402 | B | 5 | 1 | Farmington Water System |
| 87499 | B | 5 | 1 | Farmington Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Farmington
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Farmington
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Farmington Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Farmington
With 53% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in Farmington, the median build year of 1985 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Farmington were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Farmington Homeowners
In Farmington, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Farmington are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 2% below the New Mexico average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Farmington
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 53% of the Farmington inventory was built in that earlier era — a share large enough to move household-level reads onto the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Farmington
Flood exposure in Farmington is meaningful by NFIP measures — 18 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Farmington has a moderate flood history with 18 FEMA claims averaging $3,356 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,900</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Farmington, NM